Grace Elizabeth Kreider

I attribute a lot of my success to my family, and especially to my mom. She is a strong leader and has always been the person who showed me what confident, capable women look like in action. Growing up, I saw firsthand how she carried herself with strength and determination, and that had a lasting impact on me. I come from a place where opportunities and expectations for women can sometimes feel limited, but that never stopped her. She set her own standard, stayed true to who she was, and proved that women are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. Watching her do that gave me the confidence to believe I could do the same. She has always encouraged me to push myself, take opportunities seriously, and not let anyone else define what I’m capable of. Because of her, I’ve learned to approach my goals with confidence and to keep moving forward, even when something feels challenging or unfamiliar.

The best career advice I’ve received is to network and build relationships as early as possible. Aviation maintenance is a smaller, tight-knit community, and the people you meet, learn from, and work alongside can have a lasting impact on your career. Taking the time to connect with others, ask questions, and learn from their experiences is just as valuable as what you learn in the classroom.

For me, that advice also carries a deeper meaning as a woman entering this field. It’s encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, introduce myself, and build connections in spaces where women are still underrepresented. I’ve learned that showing up with confidence and being willing to engage not only helps me grow, but also helps create more visibility and space for other women in aviation. Networking isn’t just about opportunities; it’s about building a supportive community, and I’m intentional about being part of one that uplifts and encourages others along the way.

My biggest advice to young women entering this industry is to be yourself and go after what genuinely makes you happy. This field can be challenging, but you don’t have to change who you are to succeed in it. Stay confident in your abilities, work hard, and trust that you belong here. Just as importantly, support the women around you. We are capable of so much, and when we choose to uplift each other instead of compete, it makes a real difference. Being kind, encouraging, and willing to stand by one another creates a stronger community and opens more doors for everyone.

One of the biggest challenges in aviation maintenance right now is the need for more skilled, well-trained technicians as the industry continues to grow. With that challenge also comes a huge opportunity, especially for students like me who are just entering the field. There’s a real demand for people who are committed to safety, detail, and doing the job the right way.

Another important opportunity is the increasing presence of women in aviation maintenance. While it’s still a male-dominated field, that’s slowly changing, and I think that creates space for new perspectives and stronger, more inclusive teams. Being part of that shift is something I’m really excited about, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward.

The values that matter most to me are discipline, integrity, and support for others. In aviation maintenance, integrity is everything; you have to be able to stand behind your work and know that you’ve done it correctly and safely. Discipline also plays a huge role, especially in a field that requires so much attention to detail and consistency. Outside of the technical side, I really value how I treat others and how I show up as a person. Supporting and uplifting other women is very important to me, and I try to carry that into both my personal life and my career. I believe that success isn’t just about what you achieve individually, but also about how you help others grow along the way.